Of course! Cheesy Texas Toast is the ultimate sidekick to pasta, soup, or salad. It’s buttery, garlicky, loaded with cheese, and incredibly easy to make at home.
Here’s how to make it perfectly every time.
Cheesy Texas Toast
This recipe is for making it from scratch in your oven’s broiler, which gives you the best, crispiest results.
Ingredients
· 4 slices thick-sliced Texas Toast or hearty Italian bread (about 1-inch thick)
· 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
· 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· A pinch of black pepper
· 1 cup shredded cheese (a blend is best: mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Italian blend)
· 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
· Optional Add-Ins:
· A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
· ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Prep Bread: Lay the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice, going all the way to the edges.
- Broil First Side: Place the baking sheet under the broiler on high, about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching VERY closely, until the butter is melted, bubbly, and the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese and Parmesan (if using) over the toasted bread.
- Broil Again: Return the pan to the broiler. Broil for another 1-2 minutes, watching incessantly, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get spotty and golden.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Cheesy Texas Toast immediately while it’s hot and crispy!
Air Fryer Method
This is a fantastic and faster method for making a few slices.
- Prepare the bread with garlic butter as directed.
- Place slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 3-4 minutes, until the butter is soaked in and the bread is starting to crisp.
- Sprinkle with cheese and air fry for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Recipe Tips for the Best Toast
· The Right Bread: Thick-cut, sturdy bread is essential. Texas Toast, a thick Italian loaf, or French bread work best. They can hold up to the butter and cheese without getting soggy.
· Softened Butter: Using softened (not melted) butter makes it easy to spread and helps create a rich, even layer.
· Watch the Broiler! The broiler can burn food in seconds. Never walk away while it’s on. The goal is golden brown, not black.
· Fresh vs. Powdered Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder is a great convenient alternative and is less likely to burn.
· Get Creative with Cheese:
· Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick.
· Provolone: For a milder, melty cheese.
· Gouda: For a smoky flavor.
· Make it a Meal: Turn this into a quick pizza by adding pepperoni slices or other toppings under the cheese before the second broil.
Enjoy your homemade, incredibly delicious cheesy garlic bread! It’s miles better than the frozen kind.